John Carew set to be fit for Bolton Wanderers clash

Apr 2 2008 By Bill Howell

JOHN Carew is set to hand Aston Villa a welcome fitness boost by returning to training - and he is almost certain to lead the line against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

The club's nine-goal top scorer limped out of the defeat at Manchester United with a groin strain towards the end of the first half.

But Martin O'Neill has revealed the Norwegian international is confident he can start a 13th successive match.

The boss said: "I think there is a good chance he will play. John has been really positive and that is a boost.

"He had the scan on Monday. You can do umpteen scans and can always find things at the end of the day but, more importantly, John feels very positive towards it and he is aiming for Saturday."

Carew has actually only missed one game - on New Year's Day against Tottenham - in the last five months.

O'Neill explained his decision to come off at Old Trafford was one of 'safety first'. "He came off because he didn't want to do any more damage - it was a precaution," he said.

"We came in on Sunday and he felt not so bad. Then as the week has progressed he is feeling much better.

"I've told him if that is the case, then that's fine. So, at the moment, we are hoping he will train for at least a little bit on Wednesday."

Carew has not scored in six games, since his hat-trick in the 4-1 victory over Newcastle at the beginning of February.

O'Neill, though, remains unconcerned.

He added: "I get back to the point that there are times where you have to share things around, although I accept the point that centre-forwards always like to score goals."